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VELO ORANGE
Instructions
Constructeur Front Rack Mounting
Courier Rack Mounting
Porteur Rack Mounting
Constructeur Front Rack with Integrated Decaleur
As with a custom made rack, the constructeur rack should sit as low as possible, just above the fender. This improves
the bike’s handling and appearance. Place the rack into position on your bike leaving just enough room for a leather
washer between the rack’s mounting bosses and the fender. Check that the rack is level and mark the position of the
dropout eyelets on the rack’s tangs (the ½” strips at the lower end of the rack). On a 700c bike this will be about 2/3 the
way down the tang. This is where you’ll drill the mounting holes.
Drilling and Cutting the Tangs:
We strongly recommend you buy a new 6mm or ¼” drill bit for this job. The stainless steel is very hard and using a dull bit
will make the process painfully slow. Be sure the bit is intended for metal. While at the hardware store, you might buy a
fresh hacksaw blade as well. Use a punch or hardened nail to make starting indentation where you on your mark; really
whack the punch to make a nice dent. This is easier if the tang is on a hard surface such as an anvil or vice. Drip a bit of
oil on the tang and drill at a slow to medium speed. If the oil starts to smoke, stop and drip a bit more on. Overheating
the bit will cause it to dull quickly. Cut off the excess portion of the tang with a hacksaw and smooth the rough edge with
a file.
Note: When mounting the rack you may want to place a small spacer, such as a nut or a couple of washers, between
the tang and the dropout eyelet to prevent the rack from touching the paint on the fork. (For chrome racks: to prevent
rust, apply some heavy grease to the spots where you’ve drilled or cut through the chrome. If you live in a wet or salty
climate, it’s a good idea to dab a bit of silver rust-proof paint, like Rustoleum, onto the area with a cotton swab.)
Mounting the Rear Tang:
The tang on the rear of the rack is best attached to the fender boss under the fork crown (if your bike has a boss). Bend
the tang down and back so it fits between the fender and the fork crown. Check that the rack is level and mark and drill
the tang. Cut off any excess and bolt the tang between the fender and fork crown.
If your bike doesn’t have a fender boss under the crown you’ll need to bend the tang up and attach it to the brake bolt.
It’s easiest to bend the tang in a vice. Drill the hole for the bolt and cut off any excess. Bolt the tang behind the brake. If
your bike has cantilever brakes, simply use a bolt through the hole in fork crown.
Mounting the Rack to your Metal Fenders:
It is traditional to also attach the front rack to the fender. This strengthens the fender and prevents rattling.
Before proceeding decide how you will attach the fender struts. They may be attached to the same eyelet as the rack by
using a slightly longer machine screw. They can be attached to a second eyelet if your bike has two sets. Or you may
drill a second hole in the rack’s tang for the fender strut bolts. Having the fenders attached will make mounting them to
the rack easier.
Loosely mount the rack at the eyelets, check that it’s level, and mark the position of the hole for the screw that will
secure the rack to the fender. Remove the fender and wheel and drill the hole in the fender. Re-install the fender and
place a leather washer between the fender and rack. Insert the mounting screws (the short button head screws
provided). That’s all there is to it.
If you need any additional help, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at info@velo-orange.com
VELO ORANGE
Instructions
Constructeur Front Rack Mounting
Courier Rack Mounting
Porteur Rack Mounting
Constructeur Front Rack with Integrated Decaleur
As with a custom made rack, the constructeur rack should sit as low as possible, just above the fender. This improves
the bike’s handling and appearance. Place the rack into position on your bike leaving just enough room for a leather
washer between the rack’s mounting bosses and the fender. Check that the rack is level and mark the position of the
dropout eyelets on the rack’s tangs (the ½” strips at the lower end of the rack). On a 700c bike this will be about 2/3 the
way down the tang. This is where you’ll drill the mounting holes.
Drilling and Cutting the Tangs:
We strongly recommend you buy a new 6mm or ¼” drill bit for this job. The stainless steel is very hard and using a dull bit
will make the process painfully slow. Be sure the bit is intended for metal. While at the hardware store, you might buy a
fresh hacksaw blade as well. Use a punch or hardened nail to make starting indentation where you on your mark; really
whack the punch to make a nice dent. This is easier if the tang is on a hard surface such as an anvil or vice. Drip a bit of
oil on the tang and drill at a slow to medium speed. If the oil starts to smoke, stop and drip a bit more on. Overheating
the bit will cause it to dull quickly. Cut off the excess portion of the tang with a hacksaw and smooth the rough edge with
a file.
Note: When mounting the rack you may want to place a small spacer, such as a nut or a couple of washers, between
the tang and the dropout eyelet to prevent the rack from touching the paint on the fork. (For chrome racks: to prevent
rust, apply some heavy grease to the spots where you’ve drilled or cut through the chrome. If you live in a wet or salty
climate, it’s a good idea to dab a bit of silver rust-proof paint, like Rustoleum, onto the area with a cotton swab.)
Mounting the Rear Tang:
The tang on the rear of the rack is best attached to the fender boss under the fork crown (if your bike has a boss). Bend
the tang down and back so it fits between the fender and the fork crown. Check that the rack is level and mark and drill
the tang. Cut off any excess and bolt the tang between the fender and fork crown.
If your bike doesn’t have a fender boss under the crown you’ll need to bend the tang up and attach it to the brake bolt.
It’s easiest to bend the tang in a vice. Drill the hole for the bolt and cut off any excess. Bolt the tang behind the brake. If
your bike has cantilever brakes, simply use a bolt through the hole in fork crown.
Mounting the Rack to your Metal Fenders:
It is traditional to also attach the front rack to the fender. This strengthens the fender and prevents rattling.
Before proceeding decide how you will attach the fender struts. They may be attached to the same eyelet as the rack by
using a slightly longer machine screw. They can be attached to a second eyelet if your bike has two sets. Or you may
drill a second hole in the rack’s tang for the fender strut bolts. Having the fenders attached will make mounting them to
the rack easier.
Loosely mount the rack at the eyelets, check that it’s level, and mark the position of the hole for the screw that will
secure the rack to the fender. Remove the fender and wheel and drill the hole in the fender. Re-install the fender and
place a leather washer between the fender and rack. Insert the mounting screws (the short button head screws
provided). That’s all there is to it.
If you need any additional help, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at info@velo-orange.com
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